[Vascular manifestations due to Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus infection: report of two cases].

INTRODUCTION

Campylobacter fetus is a rare Gram-negative bacteria affecting especially elderly and immunocompromised patients, and that is responsible of vascular and cutaneous involvement.

OBSERVATIONS

We report two cases of C. fetus infection in two diabetic male patients, aged 75 and 85 years. The first patient was admitted for chronic fever. First-line examinations were inconclusive. Combined positron emission tomography and computed imaging tomography (PET-CT) diagnosed an infection of a previously operated popliteal aneurysm. The patient underwent surgery, and per-operative samples were positive for C. fetus. The second patient was admitted for a leg cellulitis. Blood cultures were positive for C. fetus. PET-CT found a septic superficial thrombophlebitis. The outcome was favorable for both patients with prolonged antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Vascular involvement should be suspected in the presence of C. fetus infections. PET-CT may be useful, as other imaging modalities are not always contributive.